Stainless Pipe Cutting

Stainless steel pipe has many industrial applications.

Metal pipe provides the malleability and durability required for many heavy duty applications. Like any manufacturing material, metal can corrode and eventually fail. For this reason, manufacturers often use stainless steel for essential parts. Stainless steel provides the durability and corrosion resistance required in heavy duty applications. Pipe made from this uniquely tough material requires special techniques for cutting and finishing.

Large Pipes

Stainless steel pipe comes in many lengths and widths. These measurements vary between applications, and different sizes of pipe require different tools for cutting. Large stainless steel pipes of more than a few inches in diameter require the use of an orbital pipe saw. These pipe saws secure the pipe firmly in place, while a powered saw cuts around the exterior of the pipe. This machine supplies the power and stability required for cutting larger pipes, but can improperly cut and even damage smaller sizes of pipe. Protective eyewear and heavy gloves must be used when cutting large stainless steel pipes.

Small Pipes

Smaller stainless steel pipes or tubing have the same strength and durability as larger pieces, but require less force in cutting. You can use a handheld stainless steel tubing cutter for smaller sizes of stainless steel pipe, usually less than a few inches in diameter. This device locks the piece of pipe in place while a hand-driven blade cuts around the edge of the pipe. While it suits smaller diameters of pipe, this type of cutter cannot accommodate larger industrial pipe sizes. Heavy gloves must be used when operating a handheld stainless steel pipe cutter. As an alternative to a tubing cutter, use a cutting wheel and right angle cutting guide on a multipurpose rotary tool to cut through stainless steel pipe. This type of tool is particularly useful in a tight space where a standard tubing cutter becomes difficult to grip and rotate by hand.

Grinding

Simply cutting stainless steel pipe does not produce flawless, even edges. Once you have finished the initial cut, you must finish the edges using a grinder. A stone wheel will help remove the burrs created by the cutting process and help create a finished edge for pipe fitting. The stone surface grinds against the cut end of the pipe, removing larger imperfections, preparing it for finer finishing. Once the grinding phase has finished, a brief cleaning with a wire wheel will remove any debris left by the grinding process.

Sanding

Once the end of the pipe has had its rough edges removed with a stone wheel, it requires another layer of finishing. A sander with heavy-duty sandpaper removes smaller imperfections missed by the coarse grain of the stone wheel. The sanding process creates a smoother, straighter edge which aids in the fitting process. You can also use a rotary tool with sanding accessory tips. However, the process of grinding and sanding the edge can leave behind debris. A cleaning with a wire wheel removes any debris left over from the sanding process and leaves behind the straight, clean pipe edge suitable for fitting.